Common Windmill vs Apple Caddis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Windmill Apple Caddis
Scientific Name Byasa polyeuctes Brachycentrus appalachia
Order Lepidoptera Trichoptera
Family Papilionidae Brachycentridae
Size Wingspan 80-100 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions China, India, Nepal, Myanmar North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Windmill

A black swallowtail with red body spots and white-patched hindwings that flutter in a distinctive windmill pattern. It flies slowly and confidently due to its toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its slow, meandering flight advertises its toxic body chemistry to potential predators.

Apple Caddis

A caddisfly of Appalachian streams that builds tapered square cases from plant material. Larvae orient their cases facing into the current for filter feeding.

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Did You Know?

The square cross-section of the case is thought to reduce drag in fast currents.